amphibians and reptiles of MOUNT Busa

Much is known about the herpetofauna in the northern and central Philippines, leaving gaps for herpetological studies in the southern part of the archipelago (see map below). The extensive works of E. H. Taylor on Mindanao herpetofauna in the 1920s, however, have greatly contributed to understanding the island’s herpetological diversity; but contemporary surveys have been largely limited by security reasons and logistical difficulties causing a dearth of the island’s herpetological information. Despite the high herpetological diversity in Mindanao island, only the northeast portion has been relatively studied. The herpetological diversity of the western and southern portions of the island are knowledge gaps needing urgent scientific and conservation attention.